25 years ago: Dec. 14, 1982

Members of the Cape Girardeau City Council, meeting at a special session last night, spent nearly an hour and a half debating the pros and cons of a single issue -- whether to limit debate; specifically, several councilmen suggested that a time limit be set for those who speak before the council.

Missouri Utilities Co. of Cape Girardeau and two other state firms would merge with their parent company, Union Electric Co. of St. Louis, if action taken Monday by the boards of the three companies is approved; the two subsidiary companies are Missouri Power and Light Co. and Missouri Edison Co.

50 years ago: Dec. 14, 1957

After three years living near Munich, Germany, Lt. Col. and Mrs. Robert Ramsay and their sons, Bobby, Mike and Charles, are in Cape Girardeau visiting Mrs. Ramsay's parents, Dr. and Mrs. M.H. Shelby; she is the former Mary K. Shelby.

Bishop Ivan Lee Holt of St. Louis will be the speaker Sunday morning at Centenary Methodist Church; Holt, who retired a year ago as bishop of the Methodist Church in this area, and his wife recently returned from a world tour.

75 years ago: Dec. 14, 1932

An option on a tract of land on U.S. 61 has been obtained from John L. Davis, owner of a new automobile service station and tourist camp on the road south of the Broadway intersection, by William Sullivan, manager of the Capahas baseball team; plans are to build a modern baseball field there; the place will be called Capaha Park.

Girardeans have two more inches of snow to walk and skid about in following a storm during the night; Cape Girardeau thus far this season has had 11 inches of sleet and snow, more than during the past winter.

100 years ago: Dec. 14, 1907

In a lively game from beginning to end, the Normal School basketball team disposed of the Christian Brothers' College team last night with a score of 46-12.

The O.K. Orchestra -- Otto Kassel, manager -- played for a ball at Sikeston, Mo., this week; a band has just been organized at Sikeston, and it gave a ball to start off the winter season of gayety in the town; the O.K. Orchestra is composed of members of Fred Kassel's family: Otto, Elmore, Verena and Chloe.

-- Sharon K. Sanders